Better Alternative to Windows Built-in Dictation

Windows has included dictation features for years — first through Windows Speech Recognition, then through the Win+H dictation shortcut, and most recently through Voice Access in Windows 11. These tools work, they are free, and they process speech entirely on your machine. But they share a common limitation: they transcribe exactly what you say, with no cleanup. For many users, the time spent editing raw dictation output offsets the time saved by not typing.

The Editing Problem

Raw dictation captures your words faithfully — including false starts, filler phrases, run-on sentences, and inconsistent punctuation. Windows' built-in tools do a reasonable job with basic punctuation when you say "period" or "comma," but they cannot restructure a rambling sentence or remove a repeated phrase. The result is text that reads like a transcript, not like something you would write.

The QuickSay version is tighter, better structured, and ready to send. The Windows version needs manual editing to reach the same quality — which takes time and keystrokes.

25 Languages vs Limited Support

Windows dictation supports a set of languages, but switching between them requires changing your system language or input method settings. QuickSay supports 25 languages through Groq Whisper with automatic language detection. Speak in Spanish, then in English, then in German — no configuration change required. For multilingual users or international teams, this removes a genuine friction point that Windows' built-in tools do not handle smoothly.

No Voice Training Required

Windows Speech Recognition historically required a training session where you read passages aloud so the system could learn your voice patterns and accent. While newer Windows dictation features have reduced this requirement, accuracy still improves with use. QuickSay requires zero training. Groq Whisper's cloud-based recognition handles diverse accents, speaking speeds, and vocal qualities from the first use without any calibration.

Custom Dictionary

Windows dictation has limited options for adding custom vocabulary. QuickSay's custom dictionary is a simple JSON file where you can map spoken phrases to exact text output. Add technical terms, brand names, acronyms, and internal jargon. Say "react query" and get React Query with exact casing. The dictionary file can be shared across teams or version-controlled alongside your projects.

Acknowledging the Trade-offs

Windows' built-in dictation has real advantages. It is free — no purchase required. It works fully offline — no internet connection needed and no audio sent to a cloud service. For users who prioritize local processing or have limited connectivity, Windows dictation is a solid baseline tool.

QuickSay's advantages show up in output quality and daily workflow. The LLaMA cleanup step produces text that reads like writing, not like speech. The 25-language automatic detection eliminates manual switching. And the $29 one-time price means there is no ongoing cost — unlike subscription-based alternatives that charge $10-15 per month.

Works Everywhere Windows Dictation Works

QuickSay works in every Windows application — the same scope as Windows' built-in dictation. Email clients, browsers, chat apps, code editors, document tools, and any other application with a text field. Because QuickSay operates at the system level and pastes via the clipboard, there are no per-app compatibility issues. It handles the same text fields Windows dictation handles, with cleaner output.

Privacy

QuickSay sends your audio to Groq for transcription — this is a meaningful difference from Windows' fully local approach. However, beyond that audio transmission, QuickSay captures zero screen content and collects zero telemetry. There is no usage analytics, no clipboard monitoring, and no data about which applications you use or what you type. For users comfortable with cloud-based transcription, QuickSay's privacy footprint is minimal.